Cashino Camberwell gives local lad, Nikolas more independence

Thanks to CHIPS Charity and the joint fundraising efforts of customers and staff at Cashino Camberwell in Walworth, 18-year-old Nikolas Magelara has been presented with a brand new powered wheelchair, which will increase his independence and freedom.

Cashino, which operates 160 adult gaming centres across the country, is one of the main fundraisers for CHIPS, a charity set up on behalf of the casino and gaming industry, which provides specialised wheelchairs for children with severe mobility problems.

Nikolas, who lives in Penge West with his mum and dad, Armpelina and Antonin, and younger brother, Antonio, suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a genetic disorder characterised by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.

Nikolas’ mum, Armpelina, said: “Nikolas’ condition has affected his whole body, and the only movement he has is in his fingers, so at the minute he relies on adults to move him around all day, both at home and when he’s out and about. But as with any teenager, Nikolas wants as much independence as possible, and he was able to use this powered wheelchair very well from the first attempt. We’re so thankful to Cashino and CHIPS for this wheelchair; it will be life changing for both Nikolas and the rest of the family.

Cashino Camberwell venue manager, Juanita, said: “It’s such a proud moment to know that our fundraising efforts are going to make such a huge difference to Nikolas and his family..”

One of the co-founders of CHIPS charity Linda Lindsay said: “It is so important for CHIPS that our donors see the results of their hard work, and we try to ensure that all the recipients are local to where the funds have been raised. Cashino and parent company Praesepe have been amazing, and have donated £1.2 million allowing CHIPS to provide more than 150 wheelchairs up and down the country.”

In total CHIPS has raised more than £2.2 million to date and presented over 520 wheelchairs to children throughout the UK.